Sorry Charlie!

Charlie. You've been a little difficult lately, especially during your nightly baths, but it looks like your a nice boy after all. Here is a note your mother just sent me.


"Just thought I'd let you know that our boy took a bath with a shampoo this morning and was happy the whole time. He's been talking ever since. "Arr Arrr Arrr Arr Arrr Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr."

He's good boy. He's working on his car right now. I think he needs to go to Kragen."

Evil or Just Mean?

I came home from work today and Ashley was nearly in tears. Charlie was sound asleep on our bed looking as peaceful as ever. Innocent baby or scheming meanie?

Don't be fooled. His 9 month old baby face is just a facade. He knows much more than he lets on and plays the "I need attention because I can't walk, talk or feed myself" card as well as anyone. Evil? No. But this kid has got something up his sleeve, I guarantee it. Charlie, you're on notice!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Here are a few things that deserve respect but don't get enough:

1. The U.S. of A. - How about a warm round of applause and a salute for a pretty great country?
2. Hamburgers and pizza - Why do these two foods get such a bad rap? Both can offer a balance of protein, carbs and fats. And mmmmmm...they hit the spot. Respect them for what they are.
3. Police officers - Based on what I've seen on COPS they have to deal with some pretty nasty stuff so we don't have to.
4. Rental property - Anyone who disrespects (trashes) anything they have borrowed should be prepared to reimburse the owner in full (including any inconvenience caused by their neglect).
5. Automotive paint jobs - Be careful when you open your door, regardless of how fancy the car is next to you. No one likes a ding in their car's paint.
6. Mothers - I shouldn't have to explain this one, but I don't think they will ever get the respect they deserve.
7. Carpet - I appreciate the guest that removes their shoes. I'm not offended if they don't, but its always a nice gesture. Years of foot traffic can leave a mark.
8. Other people's time - If you organize a meeting, make sure it ends on time (especially church meetings).
9. Parents - I think parents should demand respect. Children who treat their parents with a lack of respect should be disciplined. And parents who don't discipline their children lack self-respect.
10. Not opinions - I don't understand the phrase "I respectfully disagree". To respect is to esteem or honor. If I don't agree with something, by definition, I don't respect it. I do however believe one can, "politely disagree". I'm working on that one.

Leaving Las Vegas

There is one thing, and one thing only I like about Vegas. That is leaving it. And I can't do that until Thursday night. I'm here for Symantec's annual users conference and I can't wait to leave.

I only wish I could live what Sheryl Crow put so well...

"I'm leaving Las Vegas, and I won't be back, no I won't be back, not this time."

Glory Days

As I get older fewer and fewer things are new and exciting. It doesn't worry me so much as it makes me sad. I miss the thrill of discovery and taking chances, especially during my teenage years. I miss the anticipation of a big snowboarding trip with friends, the excitement of a new school year or the exhilleration of sneaking out in the middle of the night to go joy riding...you know what I mean.

Would I choose then over now? Absolutely not. Teenage years are so filled with insecurity and uncertainty that it's impossible to be perfectly happy as a teenager. And I love my life now and I'm happier than I ever have been. I wouldn't trade it for a second, but getting older does take the surprise out of life. I miss surprises.

Bonk!

Tonight I let Charlie stand and play at our ottoman while I dug into some Wheat Thins, cheddar cheese and a Diet Coke. Lately I've been so proud of the fact that he can stand on his own while holding on to things. Then I messed up. I spilled my Coke on the couch. The first big spill on the couch.


I quickly snatched up the Coke but it was too late. I put my plate of crackers and the Coke on the floor next to Charlie and ran to get a rag (Charlie still standing at the ottoman). I raced back to the couch to blot up the mess. As I dabbed at the couch I took my eye off Charlie. The next thing I saw was Charlie falling towards the floor like a small redwood tree felled at the base. Unfortunately the soft carpet didn't break his fall, the Diet Coke did. He smashed little cheek into the can and began to scream.

That was Charlie's first big bonk. I felt horrible as I tried to console him. He just sobbed. Luckily a warm bath and a little Baby Einstein made him forget about that little incident.

I knew Diet Coke was bad for babies, but until tonight I wasn't quite sure why. Now I know.

Alpha Nerd of the Week

Ashley likes to slick Chalie's hair to the side. She says it's cute. I say it's nerdy. Add some glasses and you can see what I mean.


Maybe some day he can be a mathlete just like his mom : )